Jaguars Bet on Roster Talent Over Free Agent Splashes

Jacksonville takes different approach in 2026 offseason, focusing on draft to fill holes

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a different approach in the 2026 offseason, opting not to sign any big-name free agents or re-sign key players from last season's roster. Instead, the team is trusting the talent already on the roster and plans to use the upcoming NFL Draft to fill any remaining holes. This marks a shift from the Jaguars' strategy a year ago under the same leadership of head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' offseason decisions will be closely watched, as the team looks to build on a promising 2025 campaign. If the Jaguars struggle next season, their choice to not re-sign key free agents will be heavily scrutinized. However, if the team's young talent steps up, it could validate the organization's faith in its roster.

The details

The Jaguars did not re-sign several of their top free agents from last season, a move that surprised many around the league. The team is instead focusing on the 2026 NFL Draft to add new talent and fill any gaps on the roster. General manager James Gladstone is confident in the team's ability to find "sleeper picks" in the draft to complement the existing roster.

  • The Jaguars are entering their second offseason under head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next month.

The players

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, entering his second season in that role.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, also entering his second season in that position.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Jaguars' performance in the 2026 NFL season will determine whether their offseason strategy was successful. If the team struggles, the decision not to re-sign key free agents will be heavily scrutinized. However, if the Jaguars' young talent steps up, it could validate the organization's faith in its roster.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' offseason approach represents a shift in strategy from a year ago, as the team looks to build on its promising 2025 campaign through the draft rather than free agency splashes. This move reflects the organization's confidence in its existing roster and the ability of head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone to identify and develop talent.